Blog Post

How to Properly Maintain and Store Your Inflatable Life Jacket

Posted By: Harsh Bamnolia

Meaning of Inflatable Life Jacket

Your safety on the water is paramount. An essential piece of safety equipment for any boater is an inflatable life jacket.

Unlike traditional bulky life jackets, these innovative vests inflate automatically or manually upon immersion in water, providing buoyancy and keeping your head above the water's surface.

However, for optimal performance when you need it most, proper maintenance and storage of your inflatable life jacket are crucial.

How to Properly Maintain and Store Your Inflatable Life Jacket?

Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your inflatable life jacket is always ready to perform:

Daily Maintenance:

Visual Inspection: Before each use, thoroughly inspect your inflatable life jacket for any rips, tears, or punctures. Pay close attention to seams, stitching, and the inflation mechanism.
CO2 Cartridge Check: If your inflatable life jacket utilizes a CO2 cartridge for automatic inflation, ensure it's properly secured in its compartment and hasn't expired. Check the expiry date printed on the cartridge and replace it if necessary.
Manual Inflation Test: Inflate your inflatable life jacket manually using the pull cord or oral inflation tube. Once inflated, check for any leaks by squeezing the jacket gently. If air escapes, locate the leak and have the life jacket serviced by a professional.
Rinse with Fresh Water (After Saltwater Use): After using your inflatable life jacket in saltwater, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to remove any salt residue. Saltwater can corrode the CO2 cartridge and damage the inflation mechanism. Allow the life jacket to dry completely before storing.

Regular Maintenance (Every 6 Months):

Deep Cleaning: Every six months, clean your inflatable life jacket with a mild soap solution and lukewarm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as they can damage the fabric. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water and allow it to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Function Test: Simulate a water immersion scenario by inflating the life jacket manually and leaving it inflated for 24 hours. Check for leaks and ensure it maintains proper buoyancy. If it loses air significantly, have it serviced by a professional.

Storage:

Cool and Dry Location: Store your inflatable life jacket in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat can damage the CO2 cartridge and reduce its effectiveness. Avoid storing it in damp or mildew-prone areas.
Uninflated: Always store your inflatable life jacket uninflated. Leaving it inflated for extended periods can put unnecessary stress on the seams and compromise its functionality.
Fastened Buckles: Store your life jacket with the buckles securely fastened. This helps maintain its shape and prevents any damage to the straps or buckles.

Inflatable Life Jacket Servicing with Marinetech

For comprehensive maintenance and inspection beyond routine checks, consider professional servicing from a reputable company like Marinetech.

Marinetech offers a range of inflatable life jacket servicing options to ensure your life jacket meets safety standards and functions optimally. Their trained technicians can perform:

In-depth inspection: A thorough inspection of all components, including the inflation mechanism, CO2 cartridge (if applicable), and overall integrity of the life jacket.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Deep cleaning and proper care of the life jacket to remove any dirt, salt residue, or mildew.
Replacement of Parts: Replacing any worn-out or expired parts, such as the CO2 cartridge or malfunctioning inflation mechanism.

Conclusion

Taking proper care of your inflatable life jacket is an investment in your safety. By following these simple maintenance and storage tips, and considering professional servicing from Marinetech, you can ensure your inflatable life jacket is ready to perform when you need it most, giving you peace of mind and confidence on the water.

Remember, a properly maintained inflatable life jacket can make all the difference in an emergency situation.